AP Glossary Flashcards
Active Voice - Definition
Definition - The subject of the sentence performs the action. This is a more direct and preferred style of
writing in most cases.
Passive Voice - Definition
Definition - The subject of the sentence goes after the action causing the text to be less direct.
Allusion - Definition
Definition - An indirect reference to some previous piece of information or action known by the common people..
Alter-ego - Definition
Definition - A term used to denote a change in personality, emotional status or something else that may majorly define how a character may act.
Anecdote - Definition
Definition - A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non
fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent - Definition
Definition -The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Classicism - Definition
Definition - Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional
themes and structures
Comic relief - Definition
Definition - A moment or action that is considered funny occurs in a serious story or event.
Diction - Definition
Definition - Word choice and overall dialect
Colloquial - Definition
Definition - Ordinary or familiar words and phrases.
Connotation - Definition
Definition - Words not meant to literally represent there definition
Denotation - Definition
Definition - The literal and intended meaning
Jargon - Definition
Definition - Language used among a particular group
Vernacular - Definition
Definition - The language or dialect of a particular region, area or group
Didactic - Definition
Definition - A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or
provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Adage - Definition
Definition - A folk saying with a lesson.
Allegory - Definition
Definition - A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent
qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an
abstraction or a truth.
Aphorism - Definition
Definition - A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle.
Ellipsis - Definition
Definition - The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Euphemism - Definition
Definition - A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.
Sometimes they are used for political correctness.
Figurative Language - Definition
Definition - - “Figurative Language” is the opposite of “Literal Language.” Literal language is
writing that makes complete sense when you take it at face value. “Figurative Language” is the opposite:
writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Analogy - Definition
Definition - An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables. When
a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that the relationship between the first pair of variables is
the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.
Hyperbole - Definition
Definition - Exaggeration
Idiom - Definition
Definition - A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Metaphor - Definition
Definition - Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.
Metonymy - Definition
Definition - Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Synecdoche - Definition
Definition - A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its
parts, or vice versa.
Simile - Definition
Definition - Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very
different things.
Synesthesia - Definition
Definition - – a description involving a “crossing of the senses.”
Personification - Definition
Definition - Using human like qualities to define an inanimate or simply non human object
Foreshadowing - Definition
Definition - When authors hints at events that have yet to occur
Genre - Definition
Definition - The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose,
poetry, and drama. However, genres can be subdivided as well
Gothic - Definition
Definition - Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death. Also refers to an architectural style
of the middle ages, often seen in cathedrals of this period.
Imagery - Definition
Definition - Words used to cerate images inside ones mind.
Active Voice - Example
Example - Rodney stepped forward to present himself.
Active Voice - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - The text becomes more direct.
Passive Voice - Example
Example - Stepping forward, Rodney presented himself
Passive voice - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It becomes less direct and is less favored for both authors and readers.
Allusion - Example
Example - This barely holds a candle to the likes of Shakespeare.
Allusion - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It makes a direct connection to the reader and makes them feel involved in the story
Alter-ego - Example
Example - The once kind and gentle man we all saw him as, fell away and revealed a bitter, angry soul.
Alter-ego - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Its versatile so ill sum up its effects, turning point for character development, build tension, act as a surprise, ect.
Anecdote - Example
Example - That tavern brawl was something else, there were ducks flying around the room without feathers. It did end a bit anticlimactic but I have no doubt that there will be more.
Anecdote - Effect on text
Effect on the text - Could be used to give insight to another character or surmise a small event with no real consequence.
Antecedent - Example
Example - The stone said to be a guide to something grand means nothing, for it is just a rock.
Antecedent - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It allows one to write a sentence without repeating what an object is over and over again which in turn would be tedious for the reader
Classism - Example
Example - As the man ran into town he soon realized that he made a classic blunder, he had forgotten his phone.
Classism - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - The overall story stays to a conventional standard and is therefore easily understandable and relatable.
Comic-Relief - Example
Example - Men, I know what were about to face but I beleb….did I just forget English in the middle of a speech? I HAD ONE JOB!!!
Comic-Relief - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Causes the mood to be brought back down to base line to allow for further moments that may not be serious.
Diction - Example
Example - Soda vs. Pop vs. Cola
Diction - Effect on text
Effect on the story - Can give insight to an authors or characters background, mainly location .
Colloquial - Example
Example - So, how’s the misses doing after everything?
Colloquial - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Keeps things casual and familiar.
Connotation - Example
Example - Policeman, Cop, Fuzz, The Man
Connotation - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Given the use of such words nowadays it could easily be used to bridge a gap between and audience at a literary level.
Denotation - Example
Example - Law enforcer
Denotation - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Could be used to show a serious character or seen if the language before fell under connotation.
Jargon - Example
Example - Lawyers often have special words for certain techniques or practices.
Jargon - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Shows that a person in there field knows what there talking about even the reader may not.
Vernacular - Example
Examples - Cant give you an example without feeling wrong
Vernacular - Effect on text
Effect on the text - Shows what particular place or area a character is from, giving insight to there potential character and values.
Didact - Example
Example - currently got nothing from my memory on this one
Didact - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It shows that this lesson is widely regarded by everyone as necessary for a person to know thus you are more likely to remember it.
Adage - Example
Example - A rolling stone gathers no moss
Adage - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Gives insight to cultural background and beliefs, could be used as a mechanism for explain a phenomenon in fictional text.
Allegory - Example
Example - Some consider Stanley Cubic’s film, The Shinning as an allegory for the killing of Native Americans given subtle imagery in the film.
Allegory - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It could used to subtly hint at the end goal of a plot or character arch if the connections are made early enough.
Aphorism - Example
Example - Its the honest man who is rewarded for his actions.
Aphorism - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It could be a very blunt way of stating a hinted at character need in a way that feels somehow natural.
Ellipsis - Example
Example - The whole day, rain, torrents of rain.
Ellipsis - Effect on text
Effect on the text - It could be used as way to convey relief or disbelief at an action
Euphemism - Example
Example - The term “special” used to refer to the mentally challenged.
Euphemism - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Shows that the author or character is sensitive to such topics and treats them with care.
Figurative Language - Example
Example - Dam that chasm is deep, well go on and jump in
Figurative Language - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Could be used for jokes or to subvert a statement with a scenario that follows the statements logic but should never be taken seriously.
Analogy - Example
Example - You who are suppose to lead this world squabble like foxes and hens.
Analogy - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Can be used a detractor from a character or situation but can also do the inverse.
Hyperbole - Example
Example - Your dumber than a sack of potatoes
Hyperbole - Effect on text
Effect on the text - It gives an understanding of just how well or poor something is relative to what its being compared to.
Idiom - Example
Example - Oh ya, that rock was as soft as it could be.
Idiom - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Gives context to a situation without being so blunt about it.
Metaphor - Example
Example - Less useful than a bag of bricks.
Metaphor - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Indirect comparisons
Metonymy - Example
Example - Relations between London and Washington have been strained.
Metonymy - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Defines something in a more casual, less direct manner.
Synecdoche - Example
Example - That new ride is bound pull some tail.
Synecdoche - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Defines something in a more casual, less direct manner.
Simile - Example
Example - Your like a dog chasing its tail or a car.
Simile - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - A perfect easy way to compare two things and really emphasize an aspect or object.
Synesthesia - Example
Example - He saw the delicious food
Synesthesia - Effect on text
Effect on the text - Its a neat way of giving context or description to something allowing one to describe something in way you never could originally.
Personification - Example
Example - That lamp is awfully smart
Personification - Effect on text
Effect on the text - Changes the way in which we may describe things, making them feel more human even it is, in fact just a lamp.
Foreshadowing - Example
Example - You imply that there is no way that the main villain will have that ability or item and it turns out he dose
Foreshadowing - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It changes the way you view the text, should it keep going than you’ll start to anticipate things.
Genre - Example
Example - Poetry, biography’s, Romance, Sci-fi
Genre - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - It typically gives one an idea of what they are about to read with out even seeing the title.
Gothic - Example
Example - Original Dracula and most of H.P Lovecraft work’s
Gothic - Effect on text
Effect on the Text - Sets the reader and writer up for a dark story that will likely involve death.
Invective - Definition
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Invective - Example
You have to be the most idiotic person on the planet to think this is a good idea, just look at yourself!
Invective - Effect on the text
Allows for strong moments of emotional outburst while still being controlled enough to not go to far and will likely be done on purpose in most cases, for the characters at least
Irony - Definition
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Irony - Example
A marriage counselor files for divorce
A fire station burns down
Irony - Effect on text
Can easily cause comedic moments
Verbal irony - Definition
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different. For example,
Verbal Irony - Example
if your gym teacher wants you to run a mile in eight minutes or faster, but calls it a “walk in the
park” it would be verbal irony. If your voice tone is bitter, it’s called sarcasm.
Verbal Irony - Effect on text
Can easily cause comedic moments
Dramatic irony - Definition
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the
character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Dramatic Irony - Example
we (the
audience) know who the killer is, which the victim-to-be has no idea who is doing the slaying.
Sometimes the character trusts the killer completely when (ironically) he/she shouldn’t.
Dramatic Irony - Effect on text
Can alter the way audience feels, typically they feel more in the know and anticipate moments more due to it
Situational irony - Definition
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it
makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
Situational Irony - Example
For example, Johnny spent two hours
planning on sneaking into the movie theater and missed the movie. When he finally did manage to
sneak inside he found out that kids were admitted free that day.
Situational Irony - Effect on text
Typically only causes comedy to occur or negative emotions
Juxtaposition - Definition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison. Authors often use juxtaposition
of ideas or examples in order to make a point.
Juxtaposition - Example
an author my juxtapose the average day of a
typical American with that of someone in the third world in order to make a point of social commentary
Juxtaposition - Effect on text
Just really used to compare to things to make a point
Mood - Definition
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction). Syntax
is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length and strength and complexity also affect pacing
and therefore mood. Setting, tone, and events can all affect the mood.
Mood - Example
Melancholy
Whimsical
Idyllic
Mood - Effect on text
It is so core to the text that I dont even need to describe it, without it you loose so much.
Motif - Definition
a recurring idea in a piece of literature.
Motif - Example
To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea that “you never really
understand another person until you consider things from his or her point of view”
Motif - Effect on text
Sets almost standard when it comes to the writing of a piece of text for once you have motif it is than the writers job to tie in as many core details or events back into it
Oxymoron - Definition
A paradoxical term or sentence
Oxymoron - Example
Deafening Silence
Oxymoron - Effect on text
Tends to make writing playful
Pacing - Definition
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing. Writers can use a variety of devices (syntax,
polysyndeton, anaphora, meter) to change the pacing of their words. An author’s pacing can be fast,
sluggish, stabbing, vibrato, staccato, measured, etc.
Pacing - Example
I know what this is, doubt my own intelligence
Pacing - Effect on text
Its pacing….Its sets the pace/speed of the text. It determines how fast or slow the story or overall writing progresses.
Paradox - Definition
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true
Paradox - Example
Deep down, you’re really shallow.
I’m a compulsive liar.
Paradox - Effect on text
It makes one think and thus makes one engage in the text more than before
Parallelism - Definition
(Also known as parallel structure or balanced sentences.) Sentence construction which
places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Parallelism is used to add emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing.
Parallelism - Example
“Cinderella swept the
floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”
Parallelism - Effect on text
Determines the organization of writing, emphasis, and pacing
Anaphora - Definition
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or
clauses in a row. This is a deliberate form of repetition and helps make the writer’s point more
coherent.
Anaphora - Example
I came, I saw, I conquered.
Anaphora - Effect on text
Makes the writers point more coherent.
Chiasmus - Definiton
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of
the words is reversed.
Chiasmus - Example
Love causes war and in turn, war causes one to understand and sanctify love
Chiasmus - Effect on text
What it may be used for is to drive home a circular argument wherein two opposite ideas when acted out cause the other to form and manifest which then leads back to the other.
Antithesis - Definition
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel
structure.
Antithesis - Example
There was god, there is no god
Curved and Straight
Antithesis - Effect on text
To strengthen an argument and make it more memorable.
Zuegma (Syllepsis) - Definition
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the
meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
Zuegma (Syllepsis) - Example
“The butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.”
Zuegma (Syllepsis) - Effect on text
Connects two unrelated terms.
Parenthetical Idea - Definition
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence. It is almost
considered an aside…a whisper, and should be used sparingly for effect, rather than repeatedly. Parentheses
can also be used to set off dates and numbers.
Parenthetical Idea - Example
“In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the
gallon) America will be out of oil.”
Parenthetical Idea - Effect on text
Often used to point out an side point that would not be mentioned otherwise or later on, may also be used to induct the idea that a whisper of words has taken place.
Parody - Definition
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes. It borrows words or phrases
from an original, and pokes fun at it.
Parody - Example
Look at most cameo characters in either Simpsons or family guy, they are highly exaggerated to an extreme
Parody - Effect on text
Ties in a secondary source for either comedic or weaken a counter argument, claim or opinion by presenting such as cartooning and exaggerated
Persona - Definition
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story. Do not confuse with alter-ego.
Persona - Example
I have no good example but this can best be surmised as a separate entity telling whatever tale it may be yet they are clearly there own character.
Persona - Effect on text
Unclear or Unknown
Poetic device - Definition
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines.
Poetic device - Example
Alliteration,Irony,Rhyme
Poetic device - Effect on text
It shapes the way a singular or entire poem may be written
Alliteration - Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Alliteration - Example
a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant
Alliteration - Effect on text
Often makes for faster flowing text, while not necessarily change mode or tone
Assonance - Definition
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.
Assonance - Example
“From the molten-golden notes”
Assonance - Effect on text
Accelerate the musical effects in a poem
Consonance - Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words.
Consonance - Example
“Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door”
Consonance - Effect on text
Tends to effect the speed at which we read, the effect wherein is often the slowing down of said reading
Onomatopoeia - Definition
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes.
Onomatopoeia - Example
Snap
Pika -in Japanese this is sound used to represent electricity
Onomatopoeia - Effect on text
Often to make text more lively or actions more jarring
Internal rhyme - Definition
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.
Internal rhyme - Example
“To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!”
Internal rhyme - Effect on text
Allows for a story or poem to become unified
Slant rhyme - Definition
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.
Slant rhyme - Example
“I sat upon a stone, / And found my life has gone.”
Slant rhyme - Effect on text
Its is done to continue a rhyme scheme that other wise may not occur
End rhyme - Definition
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme.
End rhyme - Example
“Roses are red, violets are blue, / Sugar is sweet, and so are you.”
End rhyme - Effect on text
They give a musical element to the text
Rhyme Scheme - Definition
The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes. For example, the following lines have a
Rhyme Scheme - Example
a b a b c d c d
Rhyme Scheme - Effect on text
They help make a poem musical and set a pattern
Stressed and unstressed syllables - Definition
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed, or said with more force
than the other syllable(s).
Stressed and unstressed syllables - Example
In the name “Nathan,” the first syllable is stressed.
Stressed and unstressed syllables - Effect on text
Unknown
Meter - Definition
A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry.
Meter - Example
I currently lack the capacity to comprehend the examples
Meter - Effect on text
Unknown
Free verse - Definition
Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme.
Free verse - Example
After the Sea-Ship-after the whistling winds;
After the white-gray sails, taut to their spars and ropes,
Below, a myriad, myriad waves, hastening, lifting up their necks,
Tending in ceaseless flow toward the track of the ship:
Free verse - Effect on text
Grants an Irregular musical nature
Iambic pentameter - Definition
Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.
Iambic pentameter - Example
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
Iambic pentameter - Effect on text
Reflects the sound of “natural conversation”
Sonnet - Definition
A 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter. Usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.
Sonnet - Example
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or His own gifts. Who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at His bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Sonnet - Effect on text
Unknown
Polysyndeton - Definition
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions. Normally, a
conjunction is used only before the last item in a list.
Polysyndeton - Example
“I walked the dog, and fed
the cat, and milked the cows.”
Polysyndeton - Effect on text
Elicits and exciting or serious mood
Pun - Definition
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
Pun - Example
“My dog has a fur coat and pants!”
Pun - Effect on text
Its there to create humor or irony mayhap even wryness
Rhetoric - Definition
The art of effective communication.
Rhetoric - Example
Think political speeches or speeches driven by a cultural movement.
Rhetoric - Effect on text
It serves to create text meant to convey and idea or message and as by leaders and people who want to create change
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle - Definition
The relationships, in any piece of writing,
between the writer, the audience, and the
subject. All analysis of writing is essentially
an analysis of the relationships between the
points on the triangle.
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle - Example
We went over this in class, just look up an image every time you flip this card
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle - Effect on text
Sets a dam near perfect standard for rhetorical writing.
Rhetorical Question - Definition
Question not asked for information but for effect.
Rhetorical Question - Example
Why are you teaching why I’m talking?
Rhetorical Question - Effect on text
a device used to persuade or subtly influence the audience.
Romanticism - Definition
Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the
world, and an emphasis on nature. Does not rely on traditional themes and structures
Romanticism - Example
To large of an idea to give a consumable example of for this format,
Romanticism - Effect on text
Refer to the definition
Sarcasm - Definition
A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and
irony are sarcastic. It is the bitter, mocking tone that separates sarcasm from mere verbal irony or satire.
Sarcasm - Example
I gave up my life for something this grand?
Sarcasm - Effect on text
Intended purpose is to construct contradictions between intended meanings.
Satire - Definition
A work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect. It targets
human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions. Good satire usually has three layers: serious
on the surface; humorous when you discover that it is satire instead of reality; and serious when you discern
the underlying point of the author.
Satire - Example
The first 5 or so seasons of The Simpsons, is was a satire of the “average, middle class American family” pushed towards Americans for the last 10-15 years
Satire - Effect on text
Its a way to tackle a idea or problems whilst doing so comedically while still getting to the underlying point, thus it tends to draw in an audience that might not typically look for such things.
Sentence - Definition
This is a sentence.
Sentence - Example
THIS IS A SENTENCE.
Sentence - Effect on text
ITS A SENTENCE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
Appositive - Definition
A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its
meaning.
Appositive - Example
“Bob, the lumber yard worker, spoke with Judy, an accountant from the city.”
Appositive - Effect on text
To provide information
Clause - Definition
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate
clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.
Clause - Example
“Other than baseball, football is my favorite sport.”
In this sentence, the independent
clause is “football is my favorite sport” and the dependent clause is “Other than baseball.”
Clause - Effect on text
They essentially boil down to telling us what? Just what?
Balanced sentence - Definition
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each
other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically.
Balanced sentence - Example
“If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”
Balanced sentence - Effect on text
Gives a rhythmic flow to text
Compound sentence - Definition
Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent clauses.
Compound sentence - Example
The pirate captain lost her treasure map, but she still found the buried treasure.
Compound sentence - Effect on text
to create complex communications, adding detail and richness to what otherwise would be a less informative simple sentence
Complex sentence - Definition
Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Complex sentence - Example
Because the soup was too cold, I warmed it in the microwave.
Complex sentence - Effect on text
create texts that are more interesting and paint a more vivid picture in the reader’s head.
Cumulative sentence - Definition
When the writer begins with an
independent clause, then adds subordinate elements.
Cumulative sentence - Example
“He doubted whether he could ever
again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet
with perspiration.”
Cumulative sentence - Effect on text
Essentially, you use words, phrases, and clauses to expand on or refine the main idea of the sentence.
Argument - Definition
An argument is a piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion. Essentially,
every essay is an argument that begins with the conclusion (the thesis) and then sets up the
premises. An argument (or the thesis to an argument) is also sometimes called a claim, a position,
or a stance.
Argument - Example
Premise: All Spam is pink
Premise: I am eating Spam
Conclusion: I am eating something that is pink
Argument - Effect on text
It serves as the focus of a piece of writing, thus its importance may be considered immeasurable in the writing process
Premises - Definition
Statements offered as reasons to support a conclusion are premises.
Premises - Example
Premise: I am eating Spam
Premise: All Spam is pink
Premises - Effect on text
They are the pillars for an argumentative text to sit on
Conclusion - Definition
A conclusion is the end result of the argument – the main point being made. In an
argument one expects that the conclusion will be supported with reasons or premises. Moreover,
these premises will be true and will, in fact, lead to the conclusion.
Conclusion - Example
Conclusion: I am eating something that is pink
Conclusion - Effect on text
This is the answer to an argument thus it serves as the entire point of a piece of text.
Aristotle’s appeals - Definition
The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade an audience that one’s ideas are valid, or more
valid than someone else’s. The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided all means of persuasion
(appeals) into three categories - ethos, pathos, and logos.
Aristotle’s appeals - Example
No example possible
Aristotle’s appeals - Effect on text
If Argumentative text is the foundation of a piece of writing than this may be considered its first layer of bricks
Ethos (credibility) - Definition
being convinced by the credibility of the author. We tend to believe people whom we respect. In an appeal to ethos, a writer tries to convince the
audience the he or she someone worth listening to, in other words an authority on the
subject, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
Ethos (credibility) - Example
As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results
Ethos (credibility) - Effect on text
If done correctly than the reader will likely believe the author to be credible.
Pathos (emotional) - Definition
persuading by appealing to the reader’s emotions.
Pathos (emotional) - Example
Why dose a man need a reason to protect his children.
Pathos (emotional) - Effect on text
When done right the effect becomes grand in such a way that it may elevate a piece of text above all others, by relying on emotions and manipulating them the effect is powerful.
Logos (logical) - Definition
persuading by the use of reasoning, using true premises and valid
arguments. This is generally considered the strongest form of persuasion.
Logos (logical) - Example
The probability of winning the lottery is statistically less likely than getting struck by lightning .
Logos (logical) - Effect on text
Considered to be the strongest form of persuasion, its cold hard facts that may only be swatted away by more facts
Concession - Definition
Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint. Often used to make one’s own argument stronger by demonstrating that one is willing to accept what is obviously true and reasonable, even if it is presented by the opposition.
Concession - Example
I can not deny that your intentions are that of pure love and want to help but the methods to do so are unfavorable to one such as myself.
Concession - Effect on text
Overall it strengthens text
Conditional Statement - Definition
A conditional statement is an if-then statement and consists of two parts, an antecedent and a
consequent. “If you studied hard, then you will pass the test.” Conditional statements are often
used as premises in an argument
Conditional Statement - Example
Premise: If I eat Spam, then I will throw up. (conditional)
Premise: I have eaten Spam.
Conclusion: Ergo, I will throw up.
Conditional Statement - Effect on text
They help convey arguments
Periodic sentence - Definition
When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence.
The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause.
Periodic sentence - Example
“His confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted
whether he could ever again appear before an audience.”
Simple sentence - Definition
Contains only one independent clause.
Simple sentence - Example
This is a simple sentence
Declarative sentence - Definition
States an idea. It does not give a command or request, nor does it ask a question.
Declarative sentence - Example
“The ball is round.”
Imperative sentence - Definition
Issues a command.
Imperative sentence - Example
“Kick the ball.”
Interrogative sentence - Definition
Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which, who, whom, and whose).
Interrogative sentence - Example
“To whom did you kick the ball?”
Style - Definition
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.
Style - Example
Something as simple as soda over pop would be enough to define a writers style if such things stayed consistant
Style - Example
Something as simple as soda over pop would be enough to define a writers style if such things stayed consistent
Contradiction - Definition
A contradiction occurs when one asserts two mutually exclusive propositions
Contradiction - Example
“Abortion is wrong and abortion is not wrong.” Since a claim and its contradictory cannot both be true, one
of them must be false.
Contradiction - Effect on text
It stands to make ones argument suffer.
Counterexample - Definition
A counterexample is an example that runs counter to (opposes) a generalization, thus falsifying it.
Counterexample - Example
“A red fruit is an apple”
“Mangos are red and a fruit, therefore not an apple”
Counterexample - Effect on text
Gives credibility to an authors argument by shutting down and oppositions claim
Deductive argument - Definition
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the
conclusion. In a deductive argument, the premises are intended to provide support for the
conclusion that is so strong that, if the premises are true, it would be impossible for the conclusion
to be false.
Deductive argument - Example
All men are mortal. Joe is a man. Therefore Joe is mortal.
Deductive argument - Effect on text
If done correctly, it may turn any claim into something strong enough to stand on its own
Fallacy - Definition
A fallacy is an attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning. Writers do not want to make obvious
fallacies in their reasoning, but they are often used unintentionally, or when the writer thinks they
can get away with faulty logic.
Fallacy - Effect on text
Makes for a compelling yet false piece of text.
Ad hominem - Definition
Latin for “against the man”. Personally attacking your opponents instead of their arguments. It is an argument that appeals to emotion rather than reason, feeling rather than intellect.
Ad hominem - Example
All murderers are criminals, but a thief isn’t a murderer, and so can’t be a criminal.” B: “Well, you’re a thief and a criminal, so there goes your argument.”
Ad hominem - Effect on text
Allows for a direct attack towards the opposition whilst avoiding the topic altogether
Appeal to authority - Definition
The claim that because somebody famous supports an idea, the idea must be right. This fallacy is often used in advertising.
Appeal to authority - Example
A commercial claims that a specific brand of cereal is the best way to start the day because athlete Michael Jordan says that it is what he eats every day for breakfast.
Appeal to authority - Effect on text
Will compel people but is easy to dissuade
Appeal to the bandwagon - Definition
The claim, as evidence for an idea, that many people believe it, or used to believe it, or do it
Appeal to the bandwagon - Example
In the 1800’s there was a widespread belief that bloodletting cured
sickness. All of these people were not just wrong, but horribly wrong, because in fact it made
people sicker.
Appeal to the bandwagon - Effect on text
the popularity of an idea is no guarantee that it’s right.
Appeal to emotion - Definition
An attempt to replace a logical argument with an appeal to the audience’s emotions. Common emotional appeals are an appeal to sympathy, an appeal to revenge, an appeal to patriotism – basically any emotion can be used as an appeal.
Appeal to emotion - Example
Lots of presidential speeches fit the bill.
Appeal to emotion - Effect on text
Strengthens a piece of text by connect with the readers emotions which can have a strong influence on decision making.
Bad analogy - Definition
Claiming that two situations are highly similar, when they aren’t.
Bad analogy - Example
“We have pure
food and drug laws regulating what we put in our bodies; why can’t we have laws to keep
musicians from giving us filth for the mind?”
Bad analogy - Effect on text
Weakens an argument given how easy it is to see its fault’s
Cliché thinking - Definition
Using as evidence a well-known saying, as if it is proven, or as if it has no exceptions.
Cliché thinking - Example
‘America: love it or leave it.’ Anyone who disagrees with anything our country does must hate America. So maybe they should just move somewhere else.”
Cliché thinking - Effect on text
Will allow the author to garner a small audience but not enough to be actually considered valuable
False cause - Definition
Assuming that because two things happened, the first one caused the second one.
False cause - Example
“Before women got the vote, there were no nuclear weapons. Therefore women’s suffrage must have led to nuclear weapons.”
False cause - Effect on text
Could be weak or strong depending how its used, as we’ve seen in recent years these kinds of arguments are growing more and more effective than they should be.
Hasty generalization - Definition
A generalization based on too little or unrepresentative data.
Hasty generalization - Example
“My uncle didn’t go to college, and he makes a lot of money. So, people who don’t go to college do just as
well as those who do.”
Hasty generalization - Effect on text
Makes for a compelling statement but falls short of what it needs to do and thus drags down the text.
Non Sequitur - Definition
A conclusion that does not follow from its premises; an invalid argument.
Non Sequitur - Example
“Hinduism is one of the world’s largest religious groups. It is also one of the world’s oldest
religions. Hinduism helps millions of people lead happier, more productive lives. Therefore the
principles of Hinduism must be true.”
Non Sequitur - Effect on text
Prevents the text from being both appealing to most and shows incompetency upon the author.
Slippery slope - Definition
The assumption that once started, a situation will continue to its most extreme possible outcome.
Slippery slope - Example
“If you drink a glass of wine, then you’ll soon be drinking all the time, and then you’ll become a homeless alcoholic.”
Slippery slope - Effect on text
While it is possible that what is being told could happen, it is unlikely to actually occur but that doesn’t devalue its effect on the audience making it almost a safe bet if done correctly.
Inductive argument - Definition
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth
of the conclusion. In an inductive argument, the premises are intended only to be so strong that, if
they are true, then it is unlikely that the conclusion is false.
Inductive argument - Example
The coin I pulled from the bag is a penny. That coin is a penny. A third coin from the bag is a penny. Therefore, all the coins in the bag are pennies.
Inductive argument - Effect on text
Makes for a reasonable argument for without any other facts, the statement is likely to be true
Sound argument - Definition
A deductive argument is said to be sound if it meets two conditions: First, that the line of
reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. Second, that the premises are true.
Sound argument - Example
In some states, no felons are eligible voters, that is, eligible to vote. In those states, some professional athletes are felons. Therefore, in some states, some professional athletes are not eligible voters.
Sound argument - Effect on text
A sound argument is irrefutable and if attempted to debunk with out heavy conflicting information than one comes of as foolish for trying to fight it.
Unstated premises - Definition
Not every argument is fully expressed. Sometimes premises or even conclusions are left
unexpressed. If one argues that Rover is smart because all dogs are smart, he is leaving unstated
that Rover is a dog. Here the unstated premise is no problem; indeed it would probably be obvious
in context. But sometimes unstated premises are problematic, particularly if two parties in a
discussion are making differing assumptions.
Unstated premises - Example
If one argues that Rover is smart because all dogs are smart, he is leaving unstated that Rover is a dog.
Unstated premises - Effect on text
Can cause confusion if not extremely obvious what the information that was left out was
Valid argument - Definition
An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
Valid argument - Example
All flightless birds are man-eaters.
Premise: The penguin is a flightless bird.
Conclusion: therefore, the penguin is a man-eater.
Valid argument - Effect on text
While not sound a valid argument is still able to hold up if no obvious flaws are added in.
Symbol - Definition
Anything that represents or stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete
such as an object, actions, character…that represents something more abstract.
Symbol - Example
the Whale in Moby Dick, the river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness, and the Raven in “The
Raven.
Symbol - Effect on text
Gives meaning to items or objects that normally wouldn’t
Syntax/sentence variety - Definition
Grammatical arrangement of words. This is perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to master. First, a reader should examine the length of sentences (short or long). How does sentence length and structure relate to tone and meaning. Are they simple, compound, compound-complex sentences? How do they relate to one another?
Syntax/sentence variety - Example
Incompatible with word
Syntax/sentence variety - Effect on text
Determines many aspects for how a piece of text is written
Theme - Definition
The central idea or message of a work. The theme may be directly stated in nonfiction works,
although not necessarily. It is rarely stated directly in fiction.
Theme - Example
Compassion.
Courage.
Death and dying.
Theme - Effect on text
Determines the over arching focus of the text
Thesis - Definition
The sentence or groups of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning,
or proposition. It should be short and clear.
Thesis - Example
Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
Thesis - Effect on text
Directly states the authors purpose
Tone - Definition
A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and
organization. To identify tone, consider how the piece would sound if read aloud
Tone - Example
Tone can be: playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, somber, etc.
Tone - Effect on text
It is truly a key part of the text, you loose a lot without it like ambiance.
Understatement - Definition
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous.
Understatement - Example
“Our defense played valiantly, and held the other team to merely eight touchdowns in the first quarter.”
Understatement - Effect on text
Adds comedic effect t a rather…troubling moment
Litotes - Definition
a particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement
which otherwise would be used. Depending on the tone and context of the usage, litotes either
retains the effect of understatement
Litotes - Example
(Hitting that telephone pole certainly didn’t do your car any good)
Litotes - Effect on text
Adds comedic effect t a rather…troubling moment
